Pikeville man charged with murder

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WYMT) - A Pikeville man is behind bars in connection with an October murder.

More than two months have passed since Ricky Coleman was shot and killed.

"It's been a really difficult couple of months for the family," said Coleman's brother-in-law Ken Hall.

Faded caution tape still surrounds his Pikeville home.

"We've been working diligently on this case, processing evidence, working with the Commonwealth's Attorney's office, working with Kentucky State Police" said Public Safety Director Paul Maynard.

Police say Wednesday morning, their hard work paid off. An indictment was returned and was soon followed by the arrest of Richard Ratliff. Ratliff is charged with first degree murder, assault and robbery.

"Anytime you can take someone off the street that committed these kinds of heinous crimes is a win for everybody," said Maynard.

Police are now releasing there was another man there that night who was also shot. They say Smith survived but is still hospitalized. They say they have been in contact with him throughout the investigation.

Coleman's family says the news of Ratliff's arrest came as a relief.

"It's a really hard time and the holidays here, but we're thankful for the arrest. Maybe the family can get some closure now. It's been quite a concern that a murderer was still out there on the streets," said Hall

But they say there are many questions still left unanswered.

"What on earth could lead somebody to do something this brutal? It's just hard to imagine that one human could do this to another one," said Hall.

They say they are hoping justice will be served for the man they describe as kindhearted and generous.

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